Taoism and the strengths perspective

Summary.

This article attempts to expand the contemporary strengths perspective in social work by moving beyond its reliance on Western science and philosophy. The authors suggest that Eastern philosophy may provide broader and richer underpinnings for understanding the strengths perspective. The article examines the basic tenets of the strengths perspective which include: (1) an emphasis on reality as constructed out of lived experience; (2) a redefinition of expertise in the helping relationship; (3) a challenge to expand our understanding of knowledge; and (4) a focus on supporting clients’ strengths. All of these tenets are then examined in the light of the Chinese philosophical tradition of Taoism. Five themes from the Taoist tradition are explored and applied to the strengths perspective: (1) reality is a process of constant flow and change; (2) holistic dualism or the blending of two aspects into one whole; (3) nonaction or wu wei as a way of acting that keeps us in harmony with an ever‐changing universe; (4) all‐at‐one‐time knowledge which allows us to move from linear, abstract thinking to incorporate deeper levels of knowing drawn from ideas, instincts, intuition, hunches and the unconscious; and (5) virtue (te) which represents an internal power central to healing. Finally, this article identifies additional sources in the social work literature that may be useful in developing the strengths perspective when viewed through these Taoist themes.